Located in the heart of Tuscia, the village of Onano attracts many visitors each year by virtue of its many attractions, as well as an atmosphere that retains the slow charm of ancient times. Let’s take a look at the origins of this Upper Lazio location and what to keep in mind for a pleasant visit at all times of the year.
On the ridge of the Volsinio volcano, which has been extinct for several centuries now, stands Onano. The Latium village is located not far from the border with Tuscan territory and is in fact one of the places included in the province of Viterbo furthest from the capital. With about 1,000 current residents, the hill town located just over 500 meters above sea level boasts one of the highest altitudes in the entire Tuscia area.
The area on the border between Lazio and Tuscany has seen the alternation of many civilizations over the millennia. Since prehistoric eras this area has been inhabited. Among the civilizations that have contributed to delineating the characters of the territory are undoubtedly first the Etruscans and then the Romans. Once the consequences of the barbarian invasions were filed away, during which much of the heritage of the two previous civilizations was destroyed, the medieval era also holds unpleasant surprises for the inhabitants of the area, who find themselves completely caught up in the political conflicts between the Guelph and Ghibelline factions.
From the Renaissance to the modern era, the village of Onano remained mainly under the control of papal action, only to retain a quieter spirit following the industrialization and urbanization processes of the twentieth century.
As a result, today there is a very relaxed atmosphere walking through the small alleys that are interrupted here and there by the presence of prominent architectural elements. Buildings with basic architecture are flanked by interesting religious constructions that catch the eye.
What to see during a visit to Onano
Among the attractions not to be missed during a visit to the village in the province of Viterbo are the many religious buildings that date back to different centuries and therefore present unique stylistic peculiarities.
One of the most interesting examples of Renaissance art is the small Church of the Madonna del Piano. Built in the 15th century, the structure was partially destroyed by intense cannon fire during World War II. Fortunately, some of the frescoes have nonetheless retained their original beauty, although they have not remained intact, as can be seen when admiring the prized Virgin and Child, a work credited to painter Antonio del Massaro, a pupil of Perugino.
One church that is definitely worth a visit is that of Santa Croce, dating back to the distant 12th century. The present structure is the result of an 18th-century renovation and expansion. Here, too, the bombings of World War II left obvious traces, which is why the present building was entirely rebuilt with a view to conservative restoration as far as possible.
The Church of Santa Maria della Concezione, of more modern construction, is a landmark for the religious life of the small town, as it houses the urns of both patron saints of Onano, namely St. Tryphon and St. Columba.
In addition to the many structures dedicated to religious worship, the town boasts an interesting castle. Built in the mid-14th century at the behest of the Monaldeschi family, the building has housed important figures in national history over the years, including, for example, Giuseppe Garibaldi. Today it is the seat of the municipal administration, but people interested in visiting it can discover rather interesting artistic architectural elements.
Onano, between nature and typicality
Thanks to its average altitude and unique microclimate, the Tuscia area is not particularly cold even in the winter months. Every season promises pleasant surprises for the visitor who chooses Onano. In fact, Lake Bolsena is also nearby, which can be a trekking destination for various levels of experience from spring through autumn.
Among the typical specialties of the town in the province of Viterbo, the tasty Onano lentil undoubtedly stands out. Every year in the summer months a festival is organized that is capable of attracting people from all over Italy precisely to celebrate the goodness of the lentil, as well as the many other legumes such as chickpeas and chickling peas that characterize the abundant local production, traces of which date back to the distant sixteenth century.
Village of Onano
Municipality of Onano
Province of Viterbo
Latium Region
Inhabitants: 898 Onanesi
Altitude center: 510 m a.s.l.
the Municipality from parts of:
Authentic Villages of Italy
Mountain Community Alta Tuscia Laziale
The Municipality
Piazza Monaldeschi della Cervara, 1 - Tel. 0763 78021
The Lenticchia di Onano, an exquisite product anchored in a millennia-old history, is a tasty testimony to Italy's cultural richness. Cultivated on the fertile soil of the Municipality of Onano, this fine lentil collects a centuries-old tradition, recorded as early as 1561 in the municipal laws of the community of Onano.
Diving into the depths of the 19th century, we come across Epifanio Giuliani's manuscript highlighting the great demand for Onano's legumes. This culinary product, recognized for its superb quality, was considered a means of improving local economic conditions, proposing its sale in Tuscany and neighboring countries.
Its excellent taste even crossed worldly boundaries to reach the Vatican, as witnessed by the words of Giulio Andreotti, who in his memoirs recalls Pope Pius IX consoling himself with Onano lentils after losing temporal power in 1871. Nothing conveys more hope and comfort than a rich dish of lentils compliments of Cardinal Prospero Caterini, a native of Onano.
Lenticchia di Onano is not only an integral part of Italy's culinary tradition, it is also rooted in the heart of the local economy. The celebration of its excellent flavor and extraordinary quality has crossed the borders of Italy and served as an ambassador of Italian taste at international expositions in 1910 in Rome and Buenos Aires and in 1911 in London and Paris.
The majestic activities to promote this product in the early twentieth century, carried out mainly by local companies equipped with specific equipment to process the legume, made the Onano Lentil known throughout the world. The packaging, meticulously cared for from the beginning, highlights the attention to detail, which reflects the passion for the product and the guarantee of quality.
The "Pulitura delle lenticchie di Onano," a striking image from 1910 belonging to the Alfonsi family and now the product's logo, symbolizes the unbreakable link between Onano lentils and Italian traditions. These deep roots, together with the painstaking care and tireless dedication to culinary perfection, make Lenticchia di Onano a true gastronomic gem.
Feast of the patron saints Trifone and Colomba
The patronal feast celebrated on the Saturday before August 15 is one of the most significant events and deeply rooted in the culture of this charming Viterbo locality. The festival is a perfect blend of spiritual devotion, local traditions and a vibrant celebratory atmosphere.
On Saturday evening, the focus is on the solemn procession that begins at 9 pm. During this procession, the statues of Saints Tryphon and Dove are lifted and carried on the shoulders of the bearers of St. Tryphon and the Confraternity of St. John the Baptist, respectively. The latter is also known as the "good death," because of the distinctive skull and crossbones pennant on their black robes.
The following day, celebrations continue with a series of masses dedicated to the two patron saints and the long-awaited fair event in the streets of the town. In addition to the festive atmosphere, this patronal festival is also an opportunity for locals to reflect on their faith and show their love and respect for the village patron saints.
Interesting is the curiosity about the dress worn by the statue of St. Dove, donated by none other than Lina Cavalieri, a famous opera singer and native of Onano. This detail adds a unique and special touch to the festival, combining elements of local history, celebrity and religious devotion.